Expert Identifies An Overlooked Habit That May Be A Telltale Sign Of ADHD

This habit is surprisingly common among the populace.

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• October 19, 2024

Imagine you’re watching a movie or listening to a song, and suddenly, it feels like the story or lyrics are speaking directly to your soul. You’re not just entertained; you’re emotionally entwined.

For many, it’s a simple connection. But for some, it might be a sign of something deeper—neurodivergence, specifically ADHD.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is often stereotyped as mere hyperactivity or forgetfulness, but experts are uncovering subtler traits that go unnoticed in the general population. Recently, an ADHD coach named Kelly brought a fresh perspective on the topic.

In a viral TikTok video, she explained that an unusually deep emotional connection to entertainment—whether it’s a TV show, movie, or music—might be a common trait among those with ADHD.

Coach Kelly’s insight resonates with a growing number of adults who have long felt "different" but never considered ADHD as a possibility. This trait, she explains, reflects how people with ADHD can experience emotions in a more intense, immersive way.

Entertainment becomes more than a distraction; it becomes a mirror to their own internal world, often offering comfort, inspiration, or even a sense of belonging.

In the UK, where over 2.6 million people are diagnosed with ADHD (and countless others undiagnosed), awareness of these subtler signs is crucial.

The ADHD community and mental health professionals alike are paying attention to traits like these, which challenge outdated stereotypes and offer a more nuanced understanding of the neurodivergent experience.

Coach Kelly highlighted a fascinating link between neurodivergence and the world of entertainment. New research suggests that the two can intertwine in ways that go beyond surface-level enjoyment.

Coach Kelly has made it her mission to educate and raise awareness about ADHD and neurodivergence. Using her platform, she shares insights and experiences that are often overlooked.

In one of her TikTok videos, she touched on a fascinating aspect of ADHD—how those with the condition can form a "unique emotional connection" to entertainment.

"It’s often a deeply visceral response that can be all-consuming," Kelly explained.

She elaborated further, describing how this connection can manifest as a "deeply personal and intense" reaction to certain songs or shows. This emotional intensity, she says, is why many with ADHD often hit repeat, playing the same tracks or rewatching the same series.

"We’re seeking out those strong emotional reactions as a source of stimulation or comfort," Kelly added.

Why ADHDers listen to the same song over and over again

Although Kelly didn't name the specific trait she was hinting at, her audience didn’t need the label to understand. Many found her insight hit home in a deeply personal way.

One commenter confessed, "I have been watching The Office every day for over 4 years."

Another shared a more intense experience, admitting, "I experience this really, really intensely. It’s to the point where I can’t watch things or skip parts of stories because it affects me so deeply." Their words reflect the emotional immersion some feel when engaging with certain shows or narratives.

A third person added a thought-provoking question, “Is this stimming?”

Stimming can take on many different forms depending on the individual. It can involve anything from sounds ("auditory"), movements or patterns that catch the eye ("visual"), to physical sensations ("tactile"), or even repeating certain words or phrases ("verbal")

Ever found yourself tapping your feet absentmindedly or humming the same tune over and over? That’s a form of stimming. But for neurodivergent individuals, such as those with ADHD or Autism, these behaviors aren’t just habits—they can be a way of finding calm.

So, what exactly is stimming? It’s short for self-stimulatory behavior. It's a term used to describe actions that help people soothe or regulate their emotions.

The ways people stim are as diverse as the individuals themselves. It can involve auditory stimming, like playing the same song on repeat; visual stimming, such as watching a particular motion; or tactile stimming, like running your fingers along different textures.

While anyone can engage in stemming, like tapping your fingers during a boring meeting, it is more commonly associated with those who are neurodivergent. For them, stimming can be a vital tool to cope with anxiety or sensory overload.

As research on ADHD and neurodivergence continues to evolve, it’s clear that these conditions are far more complex than once thought. Traits like a deep emotional connection to entertainment or stimming are just pieces of a larger puzzle.

Thankfully, experts like Coach Kelly are helping to break down stereotypes and broaden our understanding. This will ultimately foster a more compassionate, informed society for neurodivergent people.

Jesse